SALT LAKE CITY — A family is demanding accountability following the fatal shooting of Patrick Hayes during a road rage incident near Jordanelle State Park last September. The 34-year-old Hayes was killed by 63-year-old Greg Kyle DeBoer, who prosecutors have chosen not to charge with homicide based on his claim of self-defense.
The Wasatch County Attorney, Scott Sweat, has defended the decision, arguing there are compelling reasons supporting DeBoer’s assertion that he acted in self-defense. However, Hayes’ family is outraged and is seeking an independent investigation into the matter. They believe the case has not been handled properly and is calling for a jury to evaluate the evidence.
Jim Bradshaw, representing Hayes’ family, expressed frustration over the decision not to pursue homicide charges. He highlighted that video evidence exists showing the confrontation between Hayes and DeBoer, in which Hayes appears to be shouting shortly before the shooting. The family argues that the circumstances warrant a trial to determine the facts.
DeBoer, who is currently facing a charge of obstruction of justice for allegedly burying the weapon used in the incident, claims he was acting out of fear. His attorney has stated that despite public claims of the case being tantamount to murder, legally it cannot be classified as such without formal charges being brought.
Hayes’ fiancée, Sue Ann Kern, has voiced her belief that the case merits further scrutiny. She and other family members have expressed disbelief at the prosecutors’ rationale, stating that evidence could be interpreted differently during a trial. Jeanne Hayes, Patrick’s sister-in-law, shared that the prosecutors commented to the family that while there was a lot of circumstantial evidence, there was no clear case—an assertion that left them disheartened.
As part of the ongoing investigation, the Wasatch County Attorney’s Office has indicated they believe the evidence does not refute DeBoer’s claims of self-defense. They detailed in a recent statement that Hayes allegedly approached DeBoer’s vehicle aggressively, which DeBoer asserted justified his actions to shoot.
Despite these claims, family members have raised questions surrounding DeBoer’s actions. They wonder why he did not simply leave the confrontation by driving away, suggesting that he played a role in escalating the situation.
The family alleges that DeBoer was the initial aggressor, challenging the assertion that he should be protected under self-defense laws in Utah. Bradshaw has emphasized that individuals engaged in provocation or criminal conduct at the time of an incident typically cannot claim self-defense.
DeBoer’s court hearing is scheduled for January, but the questions surrounding the case remain unanswered, and the Hayes family has made it clear that they will not rest until they receive justice for Patrick. They maintain that the tragic loss of their loved one demands thorough investigation and accountability.
The Wasatch County Attorney’s Office has acknowledged that should new evidence come to light, they may reconsider their decision, underscoring the dynamic nature of legal proceedings in this ongoing situation.